In as few as 45 minutes a child or anyone can be saved from a lifetime of pain, shame and isolation. You can give them a chance to go to school, make friends and have a bright future. For as little as 100 pesos you can help provide a surgery for a child suffering from a cleft palate or cleft lip(harelip).

PNRC holds first Palawan disaster forum

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- To deepen the understanding on community disaster preparedness, the Palawan chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is conducting the 1st Palawan Disaster Risk Reduction Forum at the A&A Plaza Hotel today.

The forum also aimed at substantiating the knowledge on risk reduction, early warning system, and climate change and mainstreaming these in the activities of the participants especially those working in the village level.

One of the speakers in the said forum was Mr. Mario Daquer, Provincial Director of the Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG). He discussed the Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Ms. Rosalie Pagulayan, Weather Specialist of PAGASA, discussed Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) which is a community-based early warning systems. It is a “people-centered” system which will help communities to act accordingly and immediately as to reduce the possibility of personal injury, loss of life, damage to property, environment and loss of livelihood.

The topic on “Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation with Disaster Risk Reduction” was discussed by Mr. Dennis dela Torre, Chief of the Research & Documentation Division of the Climate Change Commission in the wake of destructive floods and landslides causing death and destruction.

The one-day forum was attended by about 50 participants coming from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (LDRRMO), the Municipal PNRC, the Provincial DRRMC, and other stakeholders of PNRC.

Improvement of Palawan airbase eyed

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- The Antonio Bautista Air Base (ABAB) of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing (CTW), one of the nine air bases in the country, is being eyed for priority development by the Philippine Air Force.

The planning team of the 570th CTW with its counterpart in the Naval Forces West (NFW) and the Western Command (WESCOM) recently undertook a two-day conference to formulate the ABAB Master Development Plan which aims to maximize the use of its land resources. The lay-outs of the land areas of both WESCOM and NFW were integrated in conceptualizing the plan since the two are adjacent to ABAB.

As the three military headquarters share some common needs, the planners aim to come up with a strategic design that would serve as a basis for deciding where to put up a facility, like a hospital for instance, that is most convenient and accessible to all.

Conceptualizing the Master Development Plan would allow the planners to decide what project is most suited to a certain land area so as to maximize its utilization.

Experts have been consulted in formulating the conceptual plan for ABAB particularly an environmentalist to determine the effect of a construction project on the natural environment.

Once approved, the implementation of the Master Development Plan would translate to an improved headquarters for the NFW, PAF and WESCOM and better services for the people.

Plans to improve air base in Palawan underway

As part of the development program being pushed to improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces’ services in the province of Palawan, the planning team from the 570th Composite Tactical Wing (CTW) sat down with its counterpart from the Western Command (WESCOM) and the Naval Forces West (NFW) to map out the development of the air base in Palawan.

In a press release, the 6th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reveals that a two-day conference was held last August 18 and 19 to formulate the Master Development Plan of Antonio Bautista Air Base (ABAB).

ABAB is one of the nine air bases eyed for the priority development programs of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Maximizing the use of its land resources is the primary objective of coming up with a Master Development Plan for ABAB. The lay-outs of the land areas of both WESCOM and NFW were integrated in conceptualizing the plan since the two are adjacent to ABAB.

As the three military headquarters share some common needs, the planners aim to come up with a strategic design that would serve as a basis for deciding where to put up a facility, like a hospital for instance, that is most convenient and accessible to all.

Equally important is that conceptualizing the Master Development Plan would allow the planners to decide what project is most suited to a certain land area so as to maximize its utilization.

Experts have been consulted in formulating the conceptual plan for ABAB. For instance, with the help of an environmentalist, the effect of a certain project on the natural environment has been assessed and taken into consideration.

Should the National Headquarters approve the plan and the National Government provide the fund for its implementation right after, it would not only translate to an improved headquarters’ lay-out, but it would also mean better services for the people.

NFA to distribute I-rice to day care centers

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- The National Food Authority – Palawan will be releasing 144.32 sacks of Iron-fortified Rice (I-Rice) to the Day Care Centers (DCCs) in the municipalities of Busuanga and Coron in the Calamianes Group of Islands in the north.

The rice stocks are part of the Supplemental Feeding Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Developmen which hopes to address undernourishment and malnutrition of the school children.

About 1,804 children in 61 DCCs will benefit from the program which is estimated to be the 40-day requirement of the feeding program. The I-Rice supplementation is valued at P180,000.

I-Rice is an NFA program which helps address iron deficiency among children in the country. Based on the study of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, one in five Filipinos have anemia, which is often cause by lack of iron in the body.

In a related development, Gondelina U. Alda will assume as the new Officer-in-Charge for NFA-Palawan this week.

Enhanced Justice on Wheels goes to Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- The Supreme Court launched last Friday its Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) program in this city with Associate Justice Mariano C. del Castillo and Deputy Court Administrator Nimfa C. Vilches leading the ceremony.

The Enhanced Justice on Wheels program is part of the Judicial Reform Support Project of the Supreme Court that aims to bring mobile courts to areas where access to justice is difficult, making delivery of justice accessible to all. The program allows court hearings to be held outside courtrooms in “justice on wheels” buses.

Also present during the launching ceremony were Vice Mayor Lucilo Bayron, judges of the different branches of the Regional Trial Court in the province and Palawan Governor Abraham Mitra.

EJOW visit resulted in the hearing and settlement of at least 140 cases and the dismissal of 31 cases of detainees at the Provincial Jail.

On top of the hearing of cases and providing mediation services, there were also 69 inmates/detainees who availed of the medical and dental services. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Palawan Chapter provided free legal aid clinic to the detainees of the Provincial Jail.

Marine protected areas boost fish production in Calamianes

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- The nine Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Calamianes Group of Islands in Northern Palawan boost the fish stocks in the area demonstrating that partnerships between and among the community, local government units, and national government agencies work.

The MPAs were established through the Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project or FISH which was a project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources funded by the United States Development Fund.

Wrecked by overfishing and illegal fishing in the 90s and early years of the 2000 decade, the establishment of the MPAs hoped to increase by ten percent the fish stock in the Coron Bay and other major fishing ground in the Calamianes.
Dr. Romeo Cabungcal of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said that the project achieved remarkable improvements in the increase in the fish stock of different species in the MPAs. He said that there was increase in the catch rates of fishermen in the surrounding areas of the MPAs.

With the establishment of the MPA, is the organization of its management board composed of community members in the barangay where the MPA is located. The establishment of the Municipal Coastal Law Enforcement Team was also important which assist in the enforcement of the fishery laws and local ordinances.

Dr. Cabungcal said that the establishment of the MPAs in Calamianes also increased the awareness and the commitment of the fisherfolks in protecting and conserving the marine environment.

Marine protected areas boost fish production in Calamianes

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- The nine Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Calamianes Group of Islands in Northern Palawan boost the fish stocks in the area demonstrating that partnerships between and among the community, local government units, and national government agencies work.

The MPAs were established through the Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project or FISH which was a project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources funded by the United States Development Fund.

Wrecked by overfishing and illegal fishing in the 90s and early years of the 2000 decade, the establishment of the MPAs hoped to increase by ten percent the fish stock in the Coron Bay and other major fishing ground in the Calamianes.
Dr. Romeo Cabungcal of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said that the project achieved remarkable improvements in the increase in the fish stock of different species in the MPAs. He said that there was increase in the catch rates of fishermen in the surrounding areas of the MPAs.

With the establishment of the MPA, is the organization of its management board composed of community members in the barangay where the MPA is located. The establishment of the Municipal Coastal Law Enforcement Team was also important which assist in the enforcement of the fishery laws and local ordinances.

Dr. Cabungcal said that the establishment of the MPAs in Calamianes also increased the awareness and the commitment of the fisherfolks in protecting and conserving the marine environment.

Seven New Wonders, a hundred million votes, one underground river

MANILA, Philippines- Stretching 32.7 kilometers, Palawan’s Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is currently regarded as the longest underground estuary in the world. On November 11, 2011, it could be known as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) – if every Filipino cell phone user would be willing to send a mere P2.50 text message to vote.

Located 50 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City and nestled underneath St. Paul Mountain, the underground river passes through glistening formations of limestone rocks, melancholic chambers, cathedral-like cavern, stalactites, stalagmites and aesthetically unique speleothems.

From 440 natural sites nominated in 2007, the list was trimmed down to 28 finalists based on unique beauty, diversity and distribution across the globe, ecological significance and historical legacy. PPUR, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only finalist from the Philippines competing against 27 other sites in the global poll.

Texting campaign

To maximize the advocacy towards a strengthened public awareness campaign in the domestic and international fronts, President Benigno S. Aquino III recently signed Proclamation No. 182 “Declaring a National and International Promotion Campaign for PPUR as one of the N7WN”.

Under Proclamation No. 182, a PPUR-N7WN Campaign Task Force was created to vigorously promote and push for the declaration of PPUR among the N7WN. The task force will also formulate and undertake an aggressive voting campaign at the national and international levels, especially among overseas Filipinos and nationals of other countries.

“There are 80 million cell phone users in the Philippines, sending two billion messages a day. If we need a billion votes to win, that’s only half a day,” said President Aquino during his declaration speech.

In an estimation of telecommunication companies, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn said Filipinos could easily generate 180 million votes until November, “That’s actually more than enough. If we get to a hundred million we can already secure a spot in the Magic 7.”

Hagedorn continued, “PPUR has consistently made it to the top list when it comes to voting trends. We know a lot of our fellow Filipinos have already voted. But their support doesn’t stop there. We also need everyone to campaign.”

Tri-media and global promotion

The next two months are expected to be crucial in the promotion and advertising activities of the PPUR before the announcement of winners on November 11. To maximize the opportunities for promotion, the government is tapping the media to yield greater public appreciation and awareness of the Underground River.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) was designated as one of the lead agencies tasked with the promotion and implementation of advocacy campaigns in the tri-media and the domestic and global travel trade.

The DoT – Southern Tagalog Region, through its Regional Director, Louella Jurilla, is tasked to promote the advocacy program and develop a series of activities that will encourage public support for the PPUR.

“We have been hosting familiarization visits to Puerto Princesa City for media practitioners and media launches in the Visayas and the Mindanao region,” said Jurilla. “In fact, we just had a successful Cebu launch where Cebu stakeholders pledged their support to PPUR.”

According to the DoT, over the last eighteen months, outgoing Secretary Alberto Lim has carried out active promotion of the PPUR in the global market projects implemented in Canada, United States, Germany, France, Russia, and Australia.

New discoveries

On the average, 200 visitors traverse the Underground River onboard a small paddled boat a day. Equipped with a handheld searchlight to see through the dark cavern, the boat slices through calm waters amidst stunning limestone formations, a swarm of swallows and sleeping bats.

Only one kilometer of the river is open to the public during river tours which usually take an hour, back and forth. However, from February to March 2011, a group of scientists and explorers from the La Venta Esplorazioni Geografiche, an Italian research group which processes, organizes and manages geographical exploration projects, came to Palawan and discovered that there are more hidden gems in the dark recesses of the underground river.

According to the official declaration of the La Venta delegation, “while the main active branch of the river has a total of 8.7 kilometers from the main entrance of tourists, the total exploration has mapped out 32.7 kilometers of total development of the underground system.”

Along these galleries, distinctive calcite helictites or crystal formations were discovered, demonstrating the exceptional karst system of PPUR. The scientists also found a small underground river within the PPUR that can only be reached by foot, a bat burial site and an astounding well-preserved fossil of a sea mammal of the Miocene Age, confirmed by paleontologists as a Sirenia or sea cow.

Tourism boom

For such an elite search, there are no monetary prizes for the seven winning host countries. However, the economic value of being voted as one of the N7WN has been estimated at one billion US dollars over five years. The projection is based on an independent impact report released by Grant Thorton, an international organization of chartered accountants and management consultants.

Thorton’s projections were based on the campaign to choose the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World that culminated in 2007, in which 100 million votes were cast. Its report stated that the ‘measurable’ results were seen at sites which made the top seven shortlisted in the said campaign.

Likewise, Hagedorn said, since the nomination of PPUR in the prestigious search, tourism influx in Puerto Princesa has grown by leaps and bounds. “Since N7WN, both local and foreign visitor arrivals have doubled. In fact, there was even a time we had 1,200 visitors in the underground river in just one day, record breaking ‘yon.”

Puerto Princesa City had an overall total of 417,593 tourist arrivals in 2010. This year, from January to May, tourist arrivals have already reached 207,806. Good thing the PPUR is highly sustainable because of its high-thermal equation location that gives out enough energy to offset the effects of high-impact tourism.

Voting can be cast by logging on to www.new7wonders.com or through text by typing PPUR and sending it to 2861 (for all networks in the Philippines).

To vote via SMS in other countries, type PPUR then send to the following: Canada (77077), Australia (19788555), United Arab Emirates (3888), South Korea (001-1588-7715), South Africa (34874), Poland (write Puerto and send to 7155), Taiwan (type N7WPPUR and send to 55123).

Pantawid Pasada cards, continues to be distributed

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan- Continuing to be distributed to the driver of the Jeep and multi-cab in the city of Puerto Princesa by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Palawan the Pantawid Pasada Card.

For the first batch has arrived in the LTO one hundred and fifty (150) Pantawid Pasada Cards.

According to Palawan LTO Chief Antonia B. Dela Cruz, eighty-seven (87) just said the catches of such cards containing P1, 050.00 as financial assistance from the Government National particular Pantawid Pasada Program.

According to Cruz, having the distribution of such cards because of incomplete documentation of the vehicles with the driver pamamasada and others here is not updated with LTO registration.

Until today (August 18) only provided with Cruz extended its Regional Office to distribute the remaining cards in the custody of it and if not it gets the driver returned it to the LTO Regional Office.

I continued the call Dela Cruz at all local radio station in the city to know the driver, but said another driver interested to take the financial assistance provided by the government.

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz said at present, there is three hundred and eighteen (318) Pantawid Pasada Cards are in the process of turn-Print for the second batch, and given its drivers that their vehicle is equipped with crude .

He said they also submitted a list of two hundred and sixty one (261) name of the driver in the Department of Energy (DOE) through their Regional Office. This in turn he said is that the Jeep and multicab to use their vehicle fuel.

Quezon town's National Museum, custodian of Palawan’s heritage

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- Palawan Museum, one of the 18 branches of the National Museum in the country is taking the lead in the preservation of the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the province.

Developed as an orientation museum after the discovery of Tabon Caves, it was originally a station for museum fieldmen who were doing extensive archaeological explorations and excavations of the Tabon Cave Complex in the early 60’s under Dr. Robert Fox, then the Chief of the Anthropology Division of the National Museum.

The Palawan Museum branch is located in the poblacion of the municipality of Quezon approximately 160 kilometers southwest of Puerto Princesa City. It maintains a Sub-station in the Tabon Caves Complex located in Lipuun Point Reservation where there are still ongoing archaeological excavations.

The museum showcases a wide collection of baskets or bayong handcrafted by the different indigenous tribe in the province, particularly the Tagbanua, and the Palawan.

There are displays of the different hand implements used by the different tribes like dart holders, blowgun or supuk, darts with several types of points which are made of wood, bamboo and rattan.

There are also on display the paraphernalia of Tagbanua ritual called “Pagdiwata” which are stoneware jar, porcelain plates and bowls, gongs and drums, bamboo pole, woven mats. The “Pagdiwata” display features a typical house of the “babaylan”, the ritual specialist.

The ‘Pagdiwata’ ritual is a religious practice of the Tagbanua performed to cure sickness or to give thanks after a bountiful harvest or before planting. The colorful and elaborative ritual is executed inside the house of the ‘balyan’ who acts as the medium.

Considered the center of attraction is the replica of the manunggul jar, a cultural treasure found in the early 60’s in Manunggul Cave in the Tabon Cave Complex in Lipuun Point. The Manunggul is a secondary burial jar. The upper portion of the jar, as well as the cover is incised with curvilinear scroll designs and painted with natural iron or hematite. On top of the jar cover is a boat with two human figures representing two souls on a voyage to the afterlife. The boatman is seated behind a figure whose hands are crossed on the chest. The position of the hands is a traditional Filipino practice observed when arranging the corpse.

The burial jar unrivaled in Southeast Asia and considered as the work of a master potter, signifies the belief of early Filipinos in life after death. It is dated to the late Neolithic Period, about 890-710 B.C. The original is on display at the Museum of the Filipino People in Manila.

The museum exhibit contains objects like human bones, ceramics, jars and other archaeological materials with dates ranging from 30,000 years ago to 14th century A.D. There are also bamboo segments with indigenous syllabic scripts of the Tagbanua and Pala’wan.

The museum keeps a rich collection of shells in unique shapes, colors, patterns and surface sculptures that are found in Palawan. It contains different kind of cowrie shells, Venus comb, sundials, tibias, strombs, tritons and the rare Conus Gloria Maris.

Every year in October, the Palawan Museum in cooperation with the local government unit and school officials celebrate Museum Month through the conduct of poster making and slogan making activities among the schoolchildren and the holding of the “Pagdiwata” and other rituals in cooperation with the local tribes.

Competitive selection process to replace NPC, launched by PALECO

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, August- The Palawan Electric Cooperative or PALECO recently launched its Competitive Selection Process (CSP) to secure a private Independent Power Provider (IPP) that will replace National Power Corporation (NPC) after November 2013.

The IPP will supply the long-term power requirements of PALECO in accordance with the relevant rules and issuances of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Currently, PALECO has three power providers with a combined energy supply of 38.7 megawatt. These are Palawan Power Generation, Inc. (PPGI-Puerto Princesa) with 11.2 mw, Delta P with 13.5 mw, PPGI- Narra with 4 mw and NPC with 10 mw. The power provided by NPC through the AGGREKO is covered by an Interim Supply Agreement that will expire on November 2013.

NPC supplies about 45,000,000 kwh annually. Hence, the new power supplier to be chosen will supply this, and additional demand, over and above PALECO’s contracted energy with PPGI and Delta P.
With the CSP launch, interested power generators, whether conventional technology or renewable energy should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to PALECO not later than August 19, 2011. Thereafter, other bidding activities will proceed.

Interested parties are requested to submit 1) a formal Expression of Interest, including a brief profile of their Company/Group, to be received at the PALECO address ; 2) execute the Confidentiality Agreement in the form provided to the interested parties; and 3) pay a non-refundable fee of Php15,000. made payable to the Palawan Electric Cooperative, Inc. no later than 19 August 2011 at 5:00 PM.

Further, interested parties are required to submit to PALECO their written
acknowledgement of their receipt of the Bidding Package and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Bidding Procedures by 26 August 2011, 5:00 PM.

Parties who fail to comply with the foregoing requirements on or before the corresponding deadlines shall not be allowed to participate in the bidding process.

DPWH implements Ph100.9 million infra projects

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- The Second District Engineering Office (DEO) of the Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) is now implementing 21 infrastructure projects worth Ph100,973,000 in the south of Palawan.

These on-going projects in varying stages of implementation consist of road concreting, school building and public library construction, repair of flood control and revetments, and construction of multi-purpose building.

Roads that are under construction for concreting which are included in the regular infrastructure program of the DPWH for 2011 are the : Palawan Circumferential Road (Ph17.6M) in Rizal; Puerto Princesa South Road Junction Abo-Abo – Quezon Road (Ph19.6M); Quezon – Aramaywan Road (Ph36.7M); and, Quezon – Punta Baja Road (Ph17.6M). The total length of these 4 road projects is 4.973 kilometers with a total project cost of Ph90.57 million.

Once completed, the road projects will provide safer and more comfortable travel and enhance the trade and industry activities in the areas.

The only school building under construction is the Mariwara Elementary School in Princess Urduja in Narra with a project cost of Ph3 million and is now estimated to be 70% accomplished.

Also, under construction are two public libraries of the Palawan State University in Narra and Brooke’s Point costing Ph1.5M each. Another building in construction is the Multi-Purpose Bldg. in Barangay Apurawan in Aborlan with a project cost of Ph3.4 million.

The funds for the repair and maintenance of 11 flood control and revetment projects belong to 2010’s budget released in November. These projects are located in Tigaplan, Amas, Salogon, Tamlang, Macagua in Brooke’s Point; Marangas in Bataraza; Punang and Pulot in Sofronio Española; Aborlan; Panacan, Narra; and Malatgao, Quezon.

TESDA trains Palawan inmates, guards

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Philippines — A total of 53 inmates and five officers of the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) here have graduated from a short course offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), it was learned Saturday.

TESDA Provincial Director Arnel Campued, Puerto Princesa City Vice Mayor Lucilo Bayron and Puerto Princesa City Jail Warden Rufino M. Santiago Jr. led the distribution of TESDA certificates for plumbing course with an average equal of a National Certificate II (NC-2).

Three registered master electrician who were currently detained at the city jail were appointed by TESDA to be the instructors – Junilo Calia, Noli Guardacara, and Nelson Abad.

Beginning August 15, a six-day Electrical Installation Maintenance course will be offered by TESDA and already 60 inmates have signed up for it.

Most of the 363 inmates in the city jail have graduated practice courses given by TESDA.

Throughout the years, TESDA has been partnering with training institutions, local government units (LGUs), and other non-government organizations in pursuit of its mission to provide technical and skills development services to students, trainees, and workers.

Robredo urges LGUs to support Puerto Princesa Underground River campaign

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo today called on all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, other local government officials and the public to vigorously support the campaign for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN).

Robredo, who is chairman of an inter-agency Task Force for the PPUR nationwide campaign created under Proclamation 182 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III last June, made the call during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony at the DILG Central Office in Quezon City.

During the ceremony, a team of Bureau of Fire Protection Special Rescue Unit rappelled from the sixth floor of the DILG office building while rolling down a giant PPUR tarpaulin to signal an intensified nationwide campaign spearheaded by DILG regional and field offices and attached agencies targeting all local government units and their constituents.

The PRUR is the country’s lone nominee to the search for the world’s N7WN, organized by the Swiss-based N7WN Foundation. The search is being carried through SMS or text messaging and internet voting. To vote, the public may text PPUR then send to 2861, or log in to www.new7wonders.com. The Foundation has extended the deadline for voting until December 2012.

The DILG secretary said the extension will work for the advantage of the task force as it will give more time to review its campaign strategies and consider other modes and possibilities to ensure that the PPUR will land a spot in the much-coveted contest.

“An extended time means more publicity, more votes, and more chances of being in the top seven,” said Robredo adding that, “kahit hindi naman ma-extend ang promotional contest ay malaki pa rin ang chance nating manalo considering that the Philippines is the text capital of the world.”

The DILG Chief also said he will seek the support of other partners from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector for the PPUR campaign.

Palawan savings reaches P200 million

MANILA, Philippines — Palawan Governor Abraham Mitra showed off Tuesday nearly P200 million in savings kept in Capitol coffers by the end of December 2010, saying frugal spending still allowed him to fund vital projects in the province.

“We have always endeavored to maintain a balanced budget, for as I declared in my inaugural address, we should and always employ wise use of government resources,” said Mitra in his State of the Province Address (SOPA).

He highlighted that revenue generation exceeded by P50 million, remitting on time the province’s GSIS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth contributions.

He also revealed that his flagship program, HEAT (Health, Education, Agriculture and Tourism) has also exceeded its expectations.

For the health sector, Mitra said that the provincial government allocated P20 million for the expansion of the Philhealth program.

Currently, the province has already enrolled 28,000 beneficiaries. He is confident that before the end of the year, the program would have surpassed its 40,000 target beneficiaries.

Mitra also reported that in the education sector, the number of scholars covered by the scholarship program has reached 4,000 from the previous 2,200 scholars. He also emphasized that the shortage of classroom teachers has already been addressed with the deployment of 389 teacher aides assigned to remote public schools in the province.

He also stated that the provincial government has distributed 33,000 school bags and other school supplies to Grade 1 students of public schools.

Support on Phl's New 7 Wonders of the World bid sought

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Jesse Robredo today called on all local government officials and the public to support the campaign of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Robredo, chairman of an inter-agency Task Force for the PPUR campaign, made the call during today’s flag-raising ceremony at the DILG Central Office in Quezon City.

During the ceremony, a team of Bureau of Fire Protection Special Rescue Unit rappelled from the sixth floor of the DILG office building while rolling down a giant PPUR tarpaulin to signal the nationwide campaign.

The PRUR is the country’s lone nominee to the search for the world’s N7WN, organized by the Swiss-based N7WN Foundation. The search is being carried through SMS or text messaging and internet voting.

To vote, the public may text PPUR then send to 2861, or log in to www.new7wonders.com. The Foundation has extended the deadline for voting until December 12, 2011.

Robredo said the extended period will work for the advantage of the task force as it will give more time to review its campaign strategies and consider other modes and possibilities to ensure that the PPUR will land a spot in the much-coveted contest.

“An extended time means more publicity, more votes, and more chances of being in the top seven. Kahit hindi naman ma-extend ang promotional contest ay malaki pa rin ang chance nating manalo considering that the Philippines is the text capital of the world," he said.

The DILG chief also said he will seek the support of other partners from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector for the PPUR campaign.

Palawan boasts of P200-M budget surplus

MANILA, Philippines - Former congressman and now Palawan Gov. Abraham Mitra has boasted that his province posted a P200-million budget surplus as of the end of 2010, less than six months after he assumed office.

In his State of the Province Address this week, Mitra said Palawan’s financial stability has enabled the provincial government to fund basic social services.

“We have always endeavored to maintain a balanced budget, for as I declared in my inaugural address, we should always employ wise use of government resources,” he told his province mates.

He said his revenue collectors have been exceeding their targets, allowing him to promptly remit contributions to the Government Service Insurance System, Pag-ibig Fund and PhilHealth.

He said he has allocated P20 million for the expansion of insurance coverage under PhilHealth so that an additional 28,000 beneficiaries could be enrolled.

“In education, the number of scholars covered by the scholarship program reached 4,000 from the previous 2,200 scholars. The shortage of teachers has been addressed with the deployment of 389 teacher aides to remote public schools in the province,” he said.

He reported that the provincial government has also distributed 33,000 bags and other school materials to Grade 1 students of public schools.

To energize remote barangay communities, Mitra said the province would soon roll out 1,592 home solar system packages in off-grid areas.

In the tourism sector, he said tourist arrivals increased by 52 percent in 2010 to 523,872 from 233,896 in 2007.

He said he expects arrivals to further increase significantly with the declaration of National Geographic magazine putting the province among its top 20 destinations in the world.

At the same time, Mitra promised his province mates that he would continue to fight for Palawan’s rightful share from the proceeds of the Malampaya natural gas project.

Fighting anemia with NutriJuice

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY- As part of its corporate social responsibility, Coca-Cola Philippines has partnered with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Education to help address iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in the country by providing malnourished schoolchildren with NutriJuice.

NutriJuice is a 200 ml orange juice drink in doy pack fortified with iron, zinc, lysine and vitamins A and C, and which has been scientifically proven to help reduce IDA. Fortifying commonly consumed foods and beverages with iron is a simple but effective way for young children to get adequate amounts of iron in their diet.

The NutriJuice project was introduced in 2008 and was launched in many regions including MIMAROPA with Palawan as its pilot province in 2009. The initial implementation in the province was focused in 18 districts under the Provincial DepEd benefitting 5,000 children.

Ms. Rachel Paladan, Head of the Provincial Nutrition Office said that there was a significant improvement in the nutritional status of the children that benefit in the NutriJuice project. The PNO helps in monitoring the nutritional effects of the project in the province together with the DepEd.
An official in the DepEd Palawan said that there was a marked improvement in the weight of schoolchildren between the baseline (41%) and the endline (22%) of the feeding program.

The FNRI-developed NutriJuice can be given in feeding programs or sold in school canteens. Because of its doy pack packaging, it is easy to administer, taste good and an enjoyable agent for children to supplement their micronutrient requirements.

For 2011-2012 implementation, 15 provinces were identified as project sites. Palawan province is included with 17 districts covering 57 schools and 10,000 elementary school children as beneficiaries.

The children-beneficiaries will be given the NutriJuice once daily during school days in 120 days of the feeding program. All schoolchildren will be measured anthropometrically at the start and the end of the feeding period.

Prov’l gov’t should set aside funds for cassava farming to help poor Palaweños-JCA

Former gubernatorial candidate Jose Chaves Alvarez (JCA) is encouraging the provincial government of Palawan to set aside much-needed funds in the farming of “kamoteng kahoy or balinghoy” (cassava) and other profitable livelihood projects to many families that remain poverty-stricken in distant municipalities.

In the media conference invited by his brother, 1st Palawan District Rep. Antonio C. Alvarez, on Sunday, the businessman-philanthropist, who was also present had an opportunity to clarify issues being pitched against him, one of which was the alleged environment destruction that the cassava farming project he is helping encourage in municipalities in the province might cause.

JCA denied allegations that the families he is helping farm cassava are cutting down trees to clear lands to be able to participate in the project.

“That is not true. They are just worried because the cassava project is helping many poor families they cannot help in the municipalities. I, myself, had told them they should not cut down trees in the forest just to plant cassava. Besides, they do not want to walk up the mountains anymore, it has become too high and too hard for them”, he said, challenging hecklers to show proof of an area destroyed by the cassava farming project instead of slandering what “can help many Palaweños out of poverty”.

Out of the P1.4 billion budget of the province for 2012, JCA recommended to the administration of Gov. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra to set aside 20 million pesos to fund projects like cassava farming to provide profits to many families that are still waiting for help.

“What is P20 million a month to help cassava farmers, or for other livelihood projects that can help many people?” JCA asked.

In Southern Palawan, around 800 hectares of land are being targeted for cassava, and 1,000 hectares in Northern Palawan. Beneficiaries of the project, according to JCA, are given loans of up to P15,000 without interest by partner San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

The loan is without interest, JCA said he just simply wants to help families earn extra income if they have lands. “If a group of 20 families have one hectare, they can loan and start planting cassava. Harvest them after several months, dry them and then bring them to buying centers”, he explained.

A hectare of cassava plantation, he furthered, can yield at least 45,000 to 50,000 kilos a year as long as planting protocols are followed by the farmers. In the market, each sack of dried cassava tubers fetch P3.00 to P5.00, and participating families can earn at least P50,000 to P80,000.

An article written by Henrylito D. Tacio for the www.agribusinessweek.com said cassava is an easy-to-grow crop for farmers. It “grows well on poor soils found on eroded hillsides because it resists adverse conditions such as drought”.

“In the Philippines, cassava is best grown in deep soil with friable structure such as light sandy loams of medium fertility. Top soil should be 30 centimeters in depth. Successful use of almost all soil types is possible, provided that they are not waterlogged, shallow or stony.

There are several varieties of cassava grown in the country. But commercially, the following are highly recommended: Lakan 1 (fresh root yield: 32 tons per hectare), Sultan 6 (39.1 tons per hectare), Sultan 7 (37.9 tons per hectare), Rajah 3(37 tons per hectare), and Sultan 10 (40 tons per hectare). Sultan 6, Sultan 7, and Sultan 10 are industrial types suitable for starch and feed production. Lakan 1 and Rajah 3 are both all-purpose types appropriate for food, starch, and feed production.

Growing cassava entails simple farm operations such as land preparation, planting, replanting, weeding, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting. Small scale production requires 51 man-days to operate a hectare of land. The plantation type of production needs 55 man-days per hectare to undertake all the necessary farm operations.”